• Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help reduce mild gastrointestinal tract inflammation

• Helps stimulate a healthy immune system response

• Assists connective tissue formation

• Antioxidant: reduce free radicals formed in the body

• Vegan friendly

Inflammation, acute or chronic, is an important part of the immune system’s functional response. However, chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, where there is an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, underlies / causes a broad range of local and extra-intestinal clinical symptoms and pathologies.

Locally, gastrointestinal inflammation can induce abdominal pain, distention, cramping, altered motility, impaired intestinal barrier integrity, microbial dysbiosis and nerve dysfunction.4,5 Currently known extra-intestinal consequences of gastrointestinal inflammation includes neuropsychological (mood, anxiety, cognition); dermatological (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis); metabolic; disturbed sleep; poor oral health; and suboptimal nutritional status (vitamins A, D, K, carotenoids, folate, iron, zinc and selenium).

Just as the endogenous maintenance of intestinal homeostasis involves a complex combination of factors (epithelial barrier function, innate and adaptive immunity, cell migration and autophagy), the aetiology of gastrointestinal inflammation is also complex and involves multiple antecedents. Such antecedents include genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation and responsivity, diet (excessive intake of animal protein, sugar, additives; inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, fibre), smoking, stress and medications.

Liquorice

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in Traditional Western Herbal Medicine for supporting gastrointestinal health and reducing mild gastrointestinal inflammation. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) has had the glycyrrhizin compound removed, and this form is used clinically to minimise glycyrrhizin-associated adverse side effects while maintaining the therapeutic properties of liquorice.The primary active constituents of DGL are flavonoids, with other compounds including isoflavonoids, chalcones, coumarins, triterpenoids, sterols, lignins, amino acids and volatile oils. DGL ameliorates gastrointestinal inflammation by stimulating mucosal blood supply and increasing mucous-producing cell concentrations and activity.1,18 This subsequently promotes intestinal tissue repair, proliferation and healing to occur when chronic gastrointestinal inflammation is present.

Mastic

Mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus) has been used traditionally for over 2500 years, with records of its’ therapeutic use for stomach and intestinal disorders dating back to ancient Greek times. The primary active part of mastic gum is the unique natural polymer, comprising of constituents including volatile and active compounds, terpenic acids, phytosterols and polyphenols.Mastic gum has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects (downregulating pro-inflammatory factors such as nitric oxide, prostaglandins E2, nuclear- factor Kappa B, tumour necrosis-factor-α, C-reactive protein, ICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8) and inhibiting macrophage migration and chemotaxis). Mastic gum also supports wound healing by ameliorating histological damage.

Zinc carnosine

Optimal endogenous zinc levels in the body are important for supporting gastrointestinal structure, function and repair, with deficiency associated with adverse effects on villi height and size, crypt cell number and depth, mucosal cell apoptosis, intestinal barrier integrity and function and local immune activity. Zinc carnosine, also known as polaprezinc, is a chelated combination of zinc and L-carnosine that directly supports gastrointestinal health by protecting the gastric mucosa, restoring the gastric lining affected by intestinal damage.These effects are attributed to several mechanisms including anti-inflammatory (inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B); antioxidant (increasing superoxide dismutase-1, superoxide dismutase-2, hemeoxygenase-1, peroxiredoxin-1, and peroxiredoxin-V); and wound healing (increasing vascular endothelial growth factor, nerve growth factor, and platelet- derived growth factor, stimulating epithelial cell migration and proliferation, inhibiting mucosal injury).

Directions for use (Adults)

Take 4 capsules per day, or as directed by your healthcare professional

Allergen Information

No added: Gluten, dairy, lactose, seeds, nuts, Egg, Sesame, Soy.

Vegetarian Friendly

Warnings

If symptoms persist, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

• Support gastrointestinal health with Probiospore

• Contains 4 billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans (IS2) per capsule

• Improves bowel regularity

• Relieves symptoms of medically diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Maintains intestinal good flora

• Vegan friendly

Designs for Health ProbioSpore is a unique spore-based probiotic containing Bacillus coagulans (UNIQUE IS-2TM) as a single ingredient.

Originally named Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bacillus coagulans is a transient, gram-positive, lactic acid-producing bacteria that is protected from stomach acid by a protein-based spore coating. Instead of dying off as a result of coming into contact with stomach acid, the spore coating expands, and B. coagulans begins to germinate as it moves out of the stomach and into the duodenum where the environment is more amenable. Germination occurs between 4-6 hours after ingestion, and around 85-93% of the ingested and germinated probiotic ends up in the intestines. Further to this, its preferred growth temperature is between 35-50°C. As a result, B. coagulans displays an excellent stability profile at ambient temperatures.

Once germination has taken place, B. coagulans proliferates in the distal parts of the small intestine and is able to produce the isomeric form of lactic acid. The isomeric form is unlikely to give rise to metabolic acidosis.

Being a transient and not a colonising probiotic, B. coagulans does not remain in the intestinal tract for long and begins to be excreted via the faeces around seven days after supplementation ceases. Despite such a short period of time of activity in the bowel, B. coagulans affects the microbial colony in that it helps to regulate beneficial flora and inhibit the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria via the production of “bacteriocin-like substances” and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds support the health of the GI lining and provide direct antagonism to microbial pathogens.

Bacillus coagulans and Digestion

B. coagulans is also able to produce several enzymes that assist digestive processes such as nutrient breakdown and absorption. Some of these enzymes include lipase, protease, α-amylase and both α- & β-galactosidase and assist with protein and carbohydrate digestion.2 Absorption is also facilitated as B. coagulans can reduce inflammation of the gut lining and promote the health of the permeable areas of the microvilli.

Bowel Regularity

As well as digestion, B. coagulans has also been found to assist excretion. It produces metabolites such as diacetyl, SCFAs and vitamins, stimulates peristalsis, reduces amine production, reduces bowel transit time, and improves the overall health of the bowel. This in turn helps to improve bowel regularity and reduce toxin build-up.A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial performed using the Unique IS-2TM strain on 100 men and women suffering from functional constipation showed that supplementation with B. coagulans at a dose of 2bn CFU daily improved stool frequency, consistency, pain associated with defecation, and feelings of incomplete evacuation.

Pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The specific strain Unique IS-2TM has also been the subject of a clinical trial included in a meta-analysis for its effects on medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome. Daily dosing of 2 billion CFU of Unique IS-2TM daily was studied in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 108 men and women fulfilling ROME III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. Reduction of abdominal pain and an increase in spontaneous complete bowel movements were the primary endpoints studied. Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2TM was able to show more than a 50% pain reduction score in 90.5% of patients, and significantly reduced the total symptom severity score (including symptoms such as bloating, incomplete evacuation, urgency, straining, passage of gas, bowel habit satisfaction and stool consistency) from 26.7 to 10.6 (placebo 26.7 to 21.5) over the course of eight weeks. A meta-analysis picked up this trial as well as 41 others done on a number of different probiotic species and concluded that Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2TM is able to effectively reduce abdominal pain associated with medical diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome

Directions for use (Adults)

Take one capsule daily with water or as directed by your health professional.

Prescribing Information

Bacillus coagulans preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate the administration of antibiotics and B. coagulans preparations by at least two hours

Allergen Information

No added: Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Sesame, Peanuts and Tree Nuts

Free From: Artificial Flavours, Artificial Colours, Sulfites,

Contains soybean products

Vegan Friendly

• A comprehensive gut powder

• Featuring Zinc carnosine and quercetin

• Features DGL Liquorice

• Includes herbal extracts of cats claw, chamomile, marshmallow and okra.

• Supports healthy mucous linings of the digestive system

• Relieve mild gastrointestinal tract inflammation

• Maintains healthy immune system function

• Antioxidant: reduce free radicals formed in the body

• Vegan Friendly

As the protective interface between our exogenous and endogenous environments, the intestinal mucosal epithelium is a dynamic and interactive barrier that regulates digestion, absorption, neuroendocrinological communication and immune homeostasis. 2-4 Comprised of a single layer of cells connected by intercellular protein-based structures called tight junctions, the health and function of the intestinal mucosal epithelium significantly affects gastrointestinal and systemic health.

Conversely, the structural and functional integrity of the intestinal mucosal epithelial barrier is influenced by many factors it is frequently exposed to including Western-type dietary patterns, alcohol, smoking, prolonged strenuous exercise, medications, stress (physical, psychological), inflammation, elevated glucose levels and microbiome dysbiosis. This can lead to clinical symptoms, dysfunction and disorders including abdominal bloating and discomfort, altered motility, inflammation, impaired immune tolerance and suboptimal nutritional status (vitamins A, D, K, carotenoids, folate, iron, zinc and selenium).

Zinc Carnosine

Zinc is a key mineral needed to maintain normal gastrointestinal structure, function and repair processes, with suboptimal endogenous levels associated with impaired intestinal villi height and size, mucosal cell apoptosis, intestinal barrier integrity and immune activity.Polaprezinc is a chelated combination of zinc and the dipeptide L-carnosine (b-alanine and L-histadine) that supports gastrointestinal health by stabilising the gastric mucosa, supporting the gastric lining and protecting against intestinal damage.Specific mechanisms of zinc carnosine for improving gastrointestinal barrier integrity include, antioxidant, promoting wound healing (increasing vascular endothelial growth factor, nerve growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor, stimulating epithelial cell migration and proliferation), modulating tight junction protein expression and activity, and inhibiting mucosal injury.

Aloe Vera

Used in ancient Roman times (2100 BC), Aloe vera has a long history of therapeutic use. Identified as having more than 200 biologically active components, the main active constituents are the polysaccharides with others including anthraquinones, anthrones, chromones, coumarins, saponins. Aloe is considered to have a broad range of actions including wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and laxative.

Mechanisms underlying its beneficial effect for the gastrointestinal tract include improving intestinal permeability (strengthening intestinal tight junction expression and promotes short-chain fatty acid [butyrate] synthesis) and inflammation (inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 and thromboxane A2 synthesis), prebiotic and laxative effects.

Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm bark has a long and interesting history of use in North America. Originally used for centuries by First Nations Indigenous communities, knowledge of the herb was passed on to Western settlers who quickly adopted it as an effective home remedy. Widespread use of the herb sparked the attention of American Eclectics and Physiomedicalists, who included the herb in their dispensaries and Materia Medica’s of the time. Slippery Elm fast became one of the most efficacious and valuable medicines for use in inflammatory conditions of the GI tract.Slippery Elm bark was used primarily as a nourishing source of fibre and demulcent for the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the stomach and bowels, among other body tissues. Demulcents were used to protect the GI lining from irritants and reduce inflammation. They are described in Biddle’s Materia Medica and Therapeutics in 1886 as “medicines which soften and relax the tissues, and, when applied to irritated or inflamed surfaces, diminish heat, tension and pain.

Liquorice

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in Greek, Roman, Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western herbal traditional paradigms, and is used today for supporting gastrointestinal health. Considered to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mucoprotective, demulcent, immunoregulatory properties, key active constituents of liquorice include triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, sterols, polysaccharides and coumarins. Liquorice supports gastrointestinal health by maintaining barrier integrity and function by attenuating inflammation and stimulating mucosal repair and healing (increasing cell proliferation and activity, local blood supply, mucous secretion).

Directions to use (Adults)

Mix 8 grams (1 heaped teaspoon) into a glass of water and consume twice per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Allergen Information

No added: Gluten, Dairy, Lactose, Soy, Nuts, Sesame, Egg.

Free From: Sulphites, Sorbates, Benzoates.

Vegan Friendly

Warning

If symptoms persist, seek the advice of a healthcare professional

• Delivers 150 mg of elemental magnesium per serve

• Provides three sources of magnesium for enhanced efficacy/physiological effect

• Contains Amino acid chelate, Glycerophosphate and Orotate

• Supports energy levels and muscle health

• Maintains cardiovascular system health

• Supports nervous system function

• One-per-day dosage for improved patient compliance

• No Added Gluten

Magnesium is an essential mineral that acts as regulating cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, affecting 80% of the body’s metabolic functions including energy synthesis, brain, bone health and heart and skeletal muscle function. Endogenous magnesium stores are primarily (99%) located in bone, muscles and soft tissues and intracellularly (in either ionised form, bound to proteins, molecules or ATP), while 1% occurs in serum (in the biologically active free-ionised form, bound to protein or anions) and red blood cells. Magnesium homeostasis is regulated by the intestines (absorption), bones (storage) and kidneys (urinary excretion). Following magnesium ingestion, intestinal absorption occurs within an hour, and following reabsorption by the kidneys is transported to the liver and subsequently circulates systemically in the blood before renal excretion. However, the amount of magnesium that is absorbed (and renally reabsorbed) is highly variable due to the influence of many factors, significantly endogenous magnesium status – low levels result in higher absorption while high levels induce lower absorption rates (up to 80% vs 30-50%, respectively). Other factors that influence magnesium absorption include chronic insufficient intake of magnesium or absorption cofactors (selenium, B6 and D), excessive phytate, saturated fat, fibre, alcohol, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, caffeine, alcohol, excessive or insufficient protein intake, age, stress, hormones (elevated thyroid hormones, oestrogen), medications, gastrointestinal dysfunction, diabetes, excessive lactation, heat and prolonged exercise. Consequently, it is estimated that at least half of the average Western population do not meet the daily recommended magnesium intake levels (which aim to prevent frank rather than subclinical deficiencies), while 10-30% have a subclinical magnesium deficiency. In addition, magnesium deficiency prevalence is also attributed to reduced fruit and vegetable magnesium concentrations, over-consumption of refined grains and processed foods, inadequate intake of magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, nuts and whole grains), the high amount of magnesium lost during food preparation and processing and the increased consumption of purified drinking water.

It is also likely to be influenced by the challenges associated with accurately diagnosing magnesium deficiency due to serum levels (comprising 1% of total body magnesium) not being an accurate indicator of magnesium status, as well as the types of symptoms and health effects associated with subclinical magnesium deficiency. Such symptoms include impaired appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions, cramps, seizures, sudden behaviour or personality changes and irregular heartbeat. Taken together, maximising the therapeutic potential of magnesium requires these many factors to be considered, and when supplementation is indicated, the use of magnesium sources with enhanced efficacy and biological activity.

Magnesium chelates

Along with the many factors discussed, the bioavailability and efficacy of magnesium supplementation is determined by dose frequency and load. It is also significantly influenced by the certain chemical properties of the chelated ligand, including its solubility and capacity to bind to magnesium’s active sites (the latter being associated with reduced magnesium hydration and laxative potential). The higher solubility and active-site binding capacity of organic and amino acid-based ligands contribute significantly to their optimal bioavailability. The chelates used in Tri-Mag Supreme™, amino acid chelate, orotate and glycerophosphate, have each been demonstrated to have optimal bioavailability and capacity to support endogenous magnesium levels/concentrations.

Bone health

The importance of magnesium for supporting bone health is emphasised by the high proportion of the body’s total magnesium stored in bones (60-70%). The mechanisms by which magnesium maintains healthy bones is multifaceted and includes increasing bone crystal formation, size and brittleness via binding to the hydroxyapatite crystal surface, promoting osteoblast synthesis and osteoclastic bone resorption (the latter by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion) and supporting vitamin D activation, which influences bone growth and maintenance.

Muscle health

The second-highest concentration of endogenous magnesium body stores is in skeletal muscle tissues (27%). Like its role in bone tissue, magnesium is involved in a number of functional processes required to maintain muscle health. These mechanisms include supporting healthy protein synthesis and turnover balance, energy metabolism (as a cofactor for adenosine triphosphate) and maintaining normal muscle contraction, relaxation and neuromuscular function (as a Ca2+ antagonist).

Directions to use (Adults)

Take 1 capsule per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Allergen Information

No added: Gluten, dairy, soy, or nuts

Warnings

If symptoms persist, seek the advice of a healthcare professional